Cinnamon Apple Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm flavors of this Cinnamon Apple Cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:48:36.177Z

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a delightful blend of spices and fresh apples that creates a moist and flavorful dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple
  • Moist cake texture that everyone will adore
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Cinnamon Apple Cake is not just a dessert; it's a slice of warmth and comfort that fits perfectly into any gathering. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of juicy apples and fragrant cinnamon creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to indulge in a piece.

This cake is also a versatile option for various occasions. You can serve it as a sweet treat during the holidays or as a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it a favorite among both kids and adults, ensuring that it will disappear quickly from the dessert table.

Simple Ingredients, Delicious Results

One of the best aspects of this Cinnamon Apple Cake is its simplicity. Made with everyday ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and fresh apples, it's a recipe that anyone can master. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to create this delightful cake; with just a little preparation, you can achieve impressive results that will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.

Moreover, the use of buttermilk in the batter not only adds moisture but also enhances the cake's flavor profile, making it richer and more delicious. The addition of diced apples brings natural sweetness and texture, ensuring that every bite is filled with delightful flavor. This cake truly exemplifies how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Cinnamon Apple Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as the flavors are best enjoyed when the cake is slightly warm.

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the warm spices and tart apples beautifully, creating a delightful contrast. You can also sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top or drizzle with caramel sauce for an added flavor dimension that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly before baking.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture until just combined.

Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, sprinkle the topping over the batter, and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake!

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

To ensure your Cinnamon Apple Cake turns out perfectly, always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour to achieve precision. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to create a light and fluffy batter when creamed with sugar. Over-mixing the batter can lead to a dense cake, so mix until just combined.

When folding in the apples, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the batter. If you prefer, you can use a mix of different apple varieties for added flavor complexity. Tart apples like Granny Smith pair beautifully with sweet varieties, providing a balanced taste that enhances the overall experience.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans can bring a delightful crunch, while raisins add a touch of natural sweetness. You might also consider adding a hint of nutmeg or ginger for a different spice profile that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can work well. Just be sure to check the packaging for any specific instructions to ensure the best results. Whatever variations you choose, this cake is adaptable and sure to please any palate.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches can also be used for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Delight in the warm flavors of this Cinnamon Apple Cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time65 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  7. 1 cup granulated sugar
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1 cup buttermilk
  11. 2 cups peeled and diced apples

For the Topping

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture until just combined.

Step 06

Gently fold in the diced apples.

Step 07

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter.

Step 08

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, sprinkle the topping over the batter, and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 09

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g